Members of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America have lifted a 100 year old ban on openly gay scout members.
Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock.
SOUNDBITE) (English) WAYNE BROCK, CHIEF SCOUT EXECUTIVE - BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, SAYING:
" Now that the decision has been made, it's time to move forward, and it's time to stand together. America needs scouting, and everyone within the scouting family needs to work to stay focused on that which unites us: reaching and serving young people to grow into good strong citizens."
The decision follows weeks of lobbying by both gay rights activists and members of conservative church groups who've traditionally formed the backbone of the organization.
The vote does NOT lift a ban on openly gay adult leaders.
The ban will officially be lifted January 1st of 2014.
